Donating blood is simple, easy way to support community

United Blood Services has issued a call for help amid an urgent need for blood donors.

This is a hard time of year for blood donations – usual donors have had to cancel due to colds or the flu. Yet, there is always a need for blood donations.

In fact, according to the American Red Cross, a single pint of blood can save up to three lives. Every two seconds in the U.S., someone needs blood, and over the course of any given year, 5 million people will need a blood donation.

The reasons why vary – anyone from a cancer patient to someone with sickle cell anemia could require a transfusion of blood, while a single car accident victim could require up to 100 pints of blood.

The need is tremendous.

Aside from helping in a time of need, there are actual health benefits to donating blood.

According to UBS, donors receive a mini-physical each time they donate, which checks your pulse, blood pressure, body temperature and hemoglobin.

The process is fast, from start to finish, taking only about an hour and 15 minutes, which includes time for the checkup, the donation itself and a brief period to have a little post-donation refreshment.

And it's safe, too. Each donation is collected with a fresh set of equipment which is then discarded afterward.

The requirements for donating blood are simple. According to United Blood Services, you must be 17 or older, in good health, and weigh at least 110 pounds. Those who are 16 may also donate, as long as they have a permission slip from their parents.

Yuma residents have two opportunities to donate this month:

• Today in the Foothills, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m., at the Fortuna Palms Community Club, 10812 Avenue 14E

• Thursday in Yuma, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m., at Yuma City Hall, 1 City Plaza

Or, donors have several opportunities in February, including:

• Feb. 8, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Yuma Gila Mountain United Methodist Church, 12716 North Frontage Road

• Feb. 9, 8 a.m. to noon, Elks Lodge #476, 2300 S. Elks Lane

• Feb. 23, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., St John Neumann Catholic Church, 11545 E. 40th St.

• Feb. 25, 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., Christ Lutheran Church, 2555 S. Engler Ave.

Take a moment to donate, Yuma. It's a simple way to help save a life.